Depleted Barcelona hope to upset Madrid's championship hopes

When the fixture list in Spain arranged for Real Madrid and Barcelona to meet on 19 April, it would not have been unreasonable to suppose that the title might be at stake. Instead, today's meeting has the rare look of a mismatch.

The Madrid side lead La Liga but Barcelona are close to the relegation zone. They also have only one available striker in Patrick Kluivert, as Javier Saviola is suspended. It would be some upset if Barça were to win, although Madrid were beaten by their title rivals Real Sociedad last week. Should Madrid lose, Deportivo La Coruña and Real Sociedad could go level on points with them.

In Italy, both Milan clubs will hope Roma can do them a favour against leaders Juventus in Turin. Tied for second place, Internazionale and Milan trail Juventus, who are aiming for their 27th title, by six points.

Borussia Dortmund need to beat runaway Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich to keep alive their chances of entry into the Champions' League, having slipped four points behind second-placed VfB Stuttgart.

The French champions, Lyon, host struggling Lille today in confident mood after last week's 1-0 win over fourth-placed Bordeaux.